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He looks so natural at the position. Our top infield prospect's best position is SS. Now Jon Schoop might be struggling so far, he could come a long way by season's end to put his name into contention as a starter in 2014. But as insurance we still have JJ Hardy at an affordable 7 million for 2014. Plus our farm system is lacking any 3rd base prospects to take Manny's place if he is moved off.

With the current state of our farm system, Machado's natural ability, and having JJ Hardy's solid glove, there is no doubt in my mind that Machado should remain a 3rd baseman, possibly for his career.

Rising O's wrote:He looks so natural at the position. Our top infield prospect's best position is SS. Now Jon Schoop might be struggling so far, he could come a long way by season's end to put his name into contention as a starter in 2014. But as insurance we still have JJ Hardy at an affordable 7 million for 2014. Plus our farm system is lacking any 3rd base prospects to take Manny's place if he is moved off.

With the current state of our farm system, Machado's natural ability, and having JJ Hardy's solid glove, there is no doubt in my mind that Machado should remain a 3rd baseman, possibly for his career.

I think Schoop has a great bat, but I really do not believe he can stick at SS. And I have not spoken to a scout who thinks he will stick there, either.

I see Hardy leaving, Machado sliding over to SS, and Schoop coming into play 2B or 3B -- whichever they need. I think Schoop can play both third or second.

That's cool. Then why do you suppose the Orioles want to see him at SS this year? Wouldn't his development be better served to play the position they envision him playing? Or is his future role more like a supersub? I know Buck has talked about him in ways that sound like he is being groomed to play multiple positions.

FWIW- He's right, Schoop has only started games at 2B on 4/5, 4/6, 4/21, 4/23 and 4/24. No clue if it's because of an injury or they want him seeing time at both spots or just plain getting a better feel for the double play.

As for Machado, if he can be at least an average SS for a long time with his hit tool, then you absolutely move him to SS. Question is, can he handle it? The same question applies to Johnathan Schoop. Short Stop is just the toughest position to fill in MLB. JJ Hardy is a fine SS and even though his bat is anything but hot at the moment were he to be traded he should net a fine return.

Does that mean Machado slides over to SS no questions asked? I dunno, usually they enter a season with a plan at that position and don't risk injury scenarios with untested players at the position.

Schoop is at AAA without a set position. And as an organization, when you have a player with his type of talent, I would think settling them in would make more sense than continuing to make him fit somewhere. If he's not a shortstop at the ML level, then why play him there at this stage of his career? Similar issue I have with Nick Delmonico, though his knee injury impacted his first season. Test these players, see where they look most comfortable, and start them there. Nick btw, is also butchering the hot corner early on but continues to show the hit tool.

No, he should not remain the third basemen. He should be moved to short as soon as possible. Everyday Machado spends at third, the less likely he will transition to shortstop. He is capable of playing shortstop, and a quality shortstop is more valuable than a quality third basemen.

Manny Machado will be the shortstop in awhile, and that means there are question marks at second at third. It is helpful that Schoop can play both 2B and 3B, giving us more leverage in trade situations for a 2B/3B prospect.